Hi All, as promised in my introduction here is my thread about the making of a ninja turtle suit that is functional for wearing to conventions and charity events.
first off let me show you the mark one version made in 2008 by me and my son.
It worked pretty well and we learned a lot that I now want to put into making an adult sized one. Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures as I was also in costume but here is a little video,

It has a mechanism built in to the mask that makes the lips open when the mouth is moved. most of the rest of the suit is made from foam covered in latex rubber. I will put pictures up of the new build soon so you can see how it works.

On a side note, I remember seeing someone who did 4 busts/heads of the turtles on here they may have been commissioned. I was looking online but there is no one who make those types of props or masks. Anyone have any idea who made them? I am only wondering because I have a sick Freddy Krueger mask but would love a good turtle mask/prop for display at some point.

Thanks guys, I've started into making the under-structure for the new mask, I've made this out of aluminum riveted together and padded it with foam. I worked out where my jaw pivots and made a matching pivoting jaw for the mask. I attached a velcro strap under the chin so my mouth forces it open and added a spring to pull it closed again. this bit is a little boring to see but will be integral to making the rest of the mask work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by twopinacoladas

That is really awesome!

On a side note, I remember seeing someone who did 4 busts/heads of the turtles on here they may have been commissioned. I was looking online but there is no one who make those types of props or masks. Anyone have any idea who made them? I am only wondering because I have a sick Freddy Krueger mask but would love a good turtle mask/prop for display at some point.

hey I can do that for you, I am a pretty good sculptor. If you have an idea of what you want maybe post a picture here, I'd be happy to help.
check out some of my other creations at www.dextarfx.com to see what I've done before.

well I have managed to make some teeth out of plastic and glue them on and I've even added some pink rubber for gums.
next I put on the piece that will be inside the top lip to make it open.
the next step will be making something to be the eyes then I can get on to the fun part of sculpting his facial features. whew! getting there.

speaking of seeing more...now he has eyes
pretty happy with these eyes so far, gonna add some lids next then it's time to get the foam out and make the heads shape.
I haven't said which one it will be yet, it might be fun for you to guess.

cheers dudes, well if you were bored with all that metalwork then I have a treat for you. I've made eyelids, a tongue and the lips now
and I've started putting the foam on to make the shape of the head.

the little clear cup is just there to hold the mouth open for these pics.
things are really starting to take shape and it is getting easier to see this as a turtle face. after I finish this I will be starting to make the feet.